HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical path starts with a secondary-school focus on biology, chemistry, math and English, along with courses in health or foods if available. Many students then take a university or college program in nutrition, dietetics, food science or nutritional sciences, since the role involves science, communication and teamwork. Some people also gain early experience through volunteer work, food service, community programs or internships. After graduation, employers may look for practical experience in hospitals, schools, public health, food companies or community settings, and requirements can vary by province, specialization and employer.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Develop, administer and supervise nutrition and food preparation and service programs in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, company cafeterias or similar settings
- Evaluate nutritional status of individuals and provide nutrition counselling and consulting to health professionals, dietetic interns, community groups, government, media and individuals
- Aid in the prevention and/or treatment of inadequate nutrition
- Plan, evaluate and conduct nutrition education programs and develop educational materials for various audiences
- Practice on an individual basis or as a member of an interdisciplinary team to determine nutritional needs of patients and to plan normal and therapeutic menus
- Study and analyze current scientific nutritional studies and conduct research to improve the nutritional value, taste, appearance and preparation of food.
- Work within industry in the development, testing and evaluation, and marketing of food and nutrition products or as a company representative supplying product related information to health professionals
- Confer with other health professionals, community groups, government and the media to provide consultation and advice in areas of nutrition interpretation, intervention and policy
- Supervise training of dietetic interns.
- Dietitians and nutritionists may specialize in such areas as administrative dietetics, clinical dietetics, community dietetics, public health dietetics or research dietetics.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Committee workInterpersonal skillsMultidisciplinary teamworkBusiness and Financial Management